Embraer Lineage 1000: Brazilian luxury

The Embraer Lineage 1000 competes with the G650. The Lineage 1000 is Embraer’s answer to the G650. With a price tag of $53 million. It’s significantly cheaper than the G650. But much like the G650. Is it worth the money?

The Embraer Lineage 1000 costs $45 million. A Lineage 1000E costs $53 million. Like many business jets, the aircraft comes with many luxuries. A sleeping chamber. A bar. A kitchen. Seating areas. An entertainment area. Luxury dining area. And a walk in shower.

How was the Lineage 1000 brought into being?

In the early 21st century, Embraer wanted to capitalise on the Embraer 190. The Embraer 190 was a successful passenger aircraft. It has a larger cross section than the G650. And similar aircraft. 

However it is significantly smaller than converted airliners. Such as the ACJ319. BBJ 1. Or Sukhoi Superjet 100. The Lineage 1000 was heavily based on the Embraer 190. However alterations were made. Such as extra fuel tanks in the lower cargo hold. Which helped double the jet’s range. The aircraft seats 19 VIPs. 

The aircraft first took flight on 26th of October 2007. After all tests were competed. The aircraft achieved an ANAC and later an EASA. On January 9th 2009, the FAA certified the aircraft. The first Lineage 1000 was delivered on May 7th 2009. It was delivered to HE Aamer Abdul Jalil Al Fahim. 

In October 2013, Embraer introduced the Lineage 1000E. This was likely done to boost sales. The Lineage 1000E decides greater range. 4,600nm compared to 4,500nm. Not much, but it’s something. The Lineage 1000E comes with a new in-flight entertainment system. As well as new cockpit options. 

In six years of production. Only 28 have been produced. None of which in 2018 or 2019. Some aviation analysts say it’s a flop. Some agree some disagree. 

Is the Lineage 1000 a flop?

Yes, six years of production with only 28 aircraft. Many of these aircraft are being sold online. At the time of writing 4 are for sale. Or around 1/7 Lineage 1000’s are being sold second hand. Which is quite a high percentage. For a ten year old aircraft. 

The majority of operators of the Lineage 1000. Are not millionaires and billionaires. But charter companies. All bar three are owned by charter companies. One is owned by HE Aamer Abdul Jalil Al Fahim. The other two are owned by the Brazilian Air Force. Mainly as secondary presidential transport aircraft. 

Lineage 1000 competitors 

• Bombardier Global Express. Costing $56 million. It’s only slightly more expensive. However slightly newer. However seating less. Only 8 seats.
• Boeing BBJ 737. Whilst this aircraft costs $87 million. It has the work of Boeing behind it. It has more seating. 25 seats to be exact.
• Airbus ACJ318/319. Costing $65 million. It costs more than the Bombardier. However also has the backing of Airbus. It also has the same amount of seating. 
• Sukhoi SuperJet 100. Much cheaper. However, stereotypically, less reliable. And more expensive to register. Costing $31.5 million. It’s significantly cheaper than the Lineage 1000. It has smaller capacity of seating. Only 10. Compared to 19. 

The future of the Lineage 1000?

Whilst this is unclear. There are many potential ways this can go. 

1. Government/military aircraft. Whilst the Brazilian Air Force has two. These are for VIP transport. It would be quite easy for the Brazilian Air Force to buy some. Alter them. And turn them into surveillance aircraft. 
2. Base aircraft. Many aircraft are used. And then are improved upon. The aircraft certainly has something that intrigues clients. Just maybe not private jet clients. A long range airliner would compliment the Embraer fleet well. 
3. Nothing. Whilst this would be a shame. It is a possibility. Embraer could cut their losses. The Lineage 1000 is a flop. Embraer probably don’t want to waste their time. They could alter the aircraft. However, Embraer may see it as better to scrap the Lineage. 
4. Make it more accessible. Some analysts have suggested that Embraer lower the price. Improve seating. This can be done with alterations to the aircraft. And anyway, millionaires and billionaires love a good deal.